A few weeks ago I had the chance to drive a car that I only have ever seen sitting behind ropes or rolling across a prime time spot in a high profile auction. That car was a grey 1957 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. I was in disbelief when the owner asked if I wanted to pilot it down the open runway with my wife. Knowing this was a one in a lifetime chance, I didn’t hesitate to open up the door and maneuver in. For the owner of this beautiful machine this is the way to fully enjoy this masterpiece of a car. Keeping the car driving on the road is the way it is meant to be enjoyed and not stuck in a museum or private collection.
This 300SL Gullwing is the culmination of a thirty year dream. This car doesn’t represent one piece in a collection, it is the entire collection. This is a dream that has come to fruition after 30 years of hard work and getting oneself into a position to own the car that has been yearned for for thirty years. For myself, the idea of dreaming for one car and working hard for years and years is truly inspirational. It helps me keep the dream alive for the cars that I desire to own in the years to come.
When I first came across this story I was in disbelief that there was someone who drives a car of this magnitude often and all across the country in various states of weather. Knowing there was someone who was doing so brought a smile to my face and made me happy that this car was being enjoyed in a way it was meant to be. Other Gullwings in museums and private collections have their place in preserving their place in history but there is just something about knowing that you can come across one of these on the open road or on your favorite drive is mind blowing.
A special thanks to Tom of 02again.com for all of the help he has given in setting things up and subsequent videos. If you need some great parts for your BMW 2002, check out his site.
Did you know this car requires 4 gallons of oil? Yes, gallons. The oil change interval is every thousand miles due to the direct injection. Crazy.
Hi Josh, the embed code isn’t working on this post but I followed the vimeo link and just wanted to say:
LOVE YOUR WORK.
Great stuff, glad to hear things are going so well.
Mike
Thanks Mike!
I just checked it and fixed it. For some reason Vimeo and WordPress aren’t playing too nice right now.
Nice work Josh! Another great one. Must have been a true honor to drive that thing, it sounds amazing! I really like how you use your interview audio and weave it throughout the piece, it’s very calming to watch. Can’t wait for the next one….I have a ton of respect for what you’re doing right now.
Love the work that you are doing – a true inspiration. Love all the videos on this site, but the 300SL gives me goosebumps
Saw the new video in my RSS feed this morning and saved it for after work… Such a lovely thing to come home to.
I urge everyone that enjoys Josh’s work to try and spread the word.
These videos are absolutely fantastic, love these series. Please do one on an Alfa or Triumph, I’d be endlessly grateful.
What a beautiful car….I don’t think anybody could of captured it better. Once again AMAZING!
Hi Josh, I’ve been following your work for about 3 weeks now and check your site almost on a daily basis, inspirational, your videos are incredible, the story telling, the music, the people, the cars!! Keep up the good work pal!!
Jim (UK)
Josh,
I’ve been following your blog for a little bit now, and once I saw the 300SL teaser, I instantly put your blog at the top of my bookmark bar.
This video gave me chills for a solid 4 minutes and 17 seconds. Beautifully composed, amazing vehicle, and just a great video in itself.
I can’t wait to see what’s next. Thanks for sharing this.
Travis
[...] Footage Courtesy Depth of Speed via eGarage.com [...]
Josh – what camera, lens and mic are you using? Fantastic video series. I’m a fan!
I use a Canon 7D and a variety of lenses. Mostly a Zeiss 28mm and Tokina 11-16mm. I use a Rode Videomic pro and various wired/wireless lavs.
[...] vía Depth of Speed [...]
Josh, I love you.
And your work.
And that SL owner who absolutely lets all the horses out of the barn!
He seems like a great guy.
Jzen
Oh. My. God. This is a man that truly gets the passion and love for cars, while pursuing a dream. PLEASE interview this man and that amazing machine again. Why own a car and not drive it? Especially one you’ve dreamed of, and others still do.
[...] Depth of Speed via Motor Sport [...]
i really enjoy all your videos (as well as updates to the blog) but i find myself continually returning and watching this video over and over again. there’s just something about your style in filmmaking that i love – the way you shoot and the sound! Fantastic.
the guy’s passion for his car is what it’s all about, too. it’s how i’ve felt for my cars in the past and will feel about my dream car in the future (when i finally accomplish my goal and get it). thanks, josh, keep up the awesome work!
[...] latest installment of Depth of Speed examines one man who clearly gets the point of parting with a large chunk of cash to purchase a [...]